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Cowes Power Station powers young dream - 14th October '05
To mark the formal re-opening of Cowes Power Station’s number 2 generating unit, RWE npower Fawley and Cowes is donating £5,000 to sponsor a young person from the Isle of Wight to take part in a leg of Gipsy Moth IV’s round the world voyage. Sir Francis Chichester’s famous yacht set sail on September 25th and over 80 deserving young people will be involved with the two year project.
Like the number 2 generating unit at Cowes Power Station, Gipsy Moth IV has undergone a full restoration. In November 2004 the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) paid ‘£1 and a Gin & Tonic’ for the maritime treasure which was residing in a concrete dry-dock in Greenwich and undertook a fundraising campaign to re-float the vessel and sail her on an epic voyage around the world providing young people with an opportunity of a lifetime.
RWE npower are keen to support Gipsy Moth IV’s global voyage, the project having been brought to the organisation’s attention by Power Station employee Tony Blacker, a Chichester fan who visited the yacht at Southampton Boat Show.
18 year old Sam Stone from Shanklin has been chosen to take part in the once in a lifetime voyage after being put forward by leaders of Island Youth, an Isle of Wight / United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) scheme which helps inspire and raise the aspirations of young people.
Sam visited the UKSA with the Island Youth Initiative when he was 13 and took part in a week of water sports activities, he described the experience as “the thing that changed me, it was a turning point for me”.
The visit gave Sam a break from his tough family life and time to reflect on his behaviour. Sam is now studying Health and Social Care at College and does voluntary work for the Island Youth Initiative, spending time with young people, encouraging and mentoring them.
The funds donated will enable Sam Stone to take part in a life changing experience, Sam will join other young crew members from difficult backgrounds to experience the challenges and excitement of an ocean adventure. During the voyage the crew aboard Gipsy Moth will take oceanographic samples for a University study and log wildlife seen during the 22 month circumnavigation. The yacht is being navigated using traditional sextant and chart, just as Chichester did, although there are some modern day additions to the yacht which enable daily video footage from the yacht to be viewed on the project’s website by young people and project supporters around the globe.
The technology aboard the yacht enables schools and organisations in the UK to take part in live tele-conferences with Gipsy Moth IV via satellite, which are captured on film at both ends, edited and posted on www.gipsymoth.org for all to enjoy. Any company or organisation that sponsors a leg of the voyage has the option of holding a branded tele-conference with the option of involving local schools or youth groups.
Cowes and Fawley Power Station’s donation has added to the £700,000 already raised which funded the restoration and secured young people’s voyage places until Panama. A further £300,000 is required to finance the rest of the voyage, enabling in total over 90 young people to take part in the Gipsy Moth experience.
Fawley & Cowes Station Manager Nick Stockdale says, “RWE npower have had a history going back many years with Cowes, we are happy to support the Gipsy Moth project and particularly the sponsorship of a local person like Sam. We wish the organisers all the best with the endeavour.”
If you or your company are interested in sponsoring a young person or a leg of the voyage, please contact David Green at the UK Sailing Academy on 01983 294941 or visit the project’s website: www.gipsymoth.org
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NOTE TO MEDIA
UKSA is recognised as the world’s leading Sailing Academy. It is a registered charity and non – profit making organisation supported by the Lister Trust. Based in West Cowes on the Isle of Wight it has superb, modern facilities with residential accommodation and operates a fleet of over 300 craft. UKSA provide a wide range of courses aimed at adults, young people and the disabled. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is Patron to the Academy and Ellen MacArthur is their Ambassador.
RWE npower own and operate Cowes Power Station, the station has 3 full time employees and management of the site is the responsibility of Fawley Power Station. RWE is the 3rd largest utility company in Europe, npower has 6.2 million UK customers for electricity and gas. The Cowes Power Station provides Active Power (Megawatt) cover for short term shortfalls on the National Grid which is initiated either by request of automatic Low Frequency cut-in.
Sam is 18 years old and has lived in sheltered lodgings in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight since the age of 14. Sam has had a tough start to life and has had to grow up quickly. The opportunity to sail aboard Gipsy Moth IV has thrilled Sam and he is proud to be an Ambassador for the Isle of Wight. He hopes his experiences will encourage others to reach for their dreams.
For further press information, please contact:
Anna Symcox
PR Manager & PA to the CEO
United Kingdom Sailing Academy
Tel: +44 (0) 1983 203016
Fax: +44 (0) 1983 295938
Mob: +44 (0) 7709 485674
Email: anna.symcox@uksa.org
Web: www.uksa.org |
Susan Preston Davis
Global Media Co-ordinator
Tel: +44 (0) 1489 789111
Mobile: + 44(0) 7771 732007
Email: susan@mpr.eclipse.co.uk |
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United Kingdom Sailing Academy
UKSA is recognized as the world's leading Sailing Academy. It is a registered charity and non - profit making organization supported by the Lister Trust. Based in West Cowes on the Isle of Wight it has superb, modern facilities with residential accommodation and operates a fleet of over 300 craft. UKSA provide a wide range of courses aimed at adults, young people and the disabled. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is Patron to the Academy and Ellen MacArthur is their Ambassador.
Yachting Monthly
Gipsy Moth IV's second world voyage celebrates the 100th birthday of leading marine publication Yachting Monthly magazine and the 40th anniversary of Sir Francis' celebrated single-handed voyage.
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight Economic Partnership is the economic development agency for the Isle of Wight. Their unique position allows them to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors and ensure a coordinated approach in improving the Island's economy.
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